Village flower show blooms despite drought

Bakers, crafters and gardeners attracted the crowds and wowed the judges at the Walkhampton Flower and Produce Show.

The show, on Saturday, August 29, was a great success, despite a difficult hot and dry growing season. The tea tent was especially popular with homemade cakes.

All classes (except floral art) were well- supported with Ian Jenkins, pictured, taking most of the cups and prizes for his flowers and vegetables. The children’s classes were popular, showing great imagination for animals made with vegetables, Lego models, paintings, miniature gardens and pictures of oak trees.

Prizes were also awarded for the longest runner bean – difficult to grow during a drought. Community involvement was encouraged with best allotments, patios and gardens and cookery (best pasty) and photography classes.

Multiple prize winner Ian Jenkins said: “It just take a lot of time at the allotment (lots of watering cans this year) wedding, dead head the dahlias.

“There’s no secret to it - anyone can do it. Not until you start getting ready for the show can you tell how something have grown, especially with carrots, parsnips and potatoes.

“You’ve just got to hope for the best. Some times are good and some times are bad, you just can't tell until the day off picking and fingers crossed it's all good.

“A little bit comes into staging correctly, but we are there to help people if needed, so hopefully we’ll see more people at next year's show.”

The next Walkhampton Flower and Produce Show is on Saturday, August 28.